Why actors are prone to suicide? Experts explain

Going by recent cases, it is observed that depression is one of the root causes of the suicides taking place. The feelings of frustration might be intensified by a breakup, a financial setback or even a traumatic event, which instigate people to take an extreme step. In a conversation with ETV Bharat, psychiatrist Dr Sagar Mundada and film critic Dilip Thakur share their take on the issue.

Mumbai: The tragic death of Sushant Singh Rajput in mysterious circumstances has triggered a huge debate on what is wrong within the industry.

On June 14, Sushant Singh Rajput was allegedly found hanging at his residence. Since then, the discussion has centered on that despite money, fame, success, honour, why did Sushant take such a drastic decision just at the age of 34?

An investigation into the case may reveal the truth behind Rajput's death. But, the question is, why an actor who wants to live his life to the fullest would want to put an end to it?

In an interview with ETV Bharat, psychiatrist Dr Sagar Mundada said, "In the glamour world, people's relationships with each other are highly professional. No matter what the emotions are seen in photographs, the reality is far different. Most people in the industry live with two faces. One is the face they carry in public life and the other is the face they carry in their own private life. Often they find it difficult to live with these two faces and they fall into the pit of depression. When you get money, success, fame, you get addicted to it. These addictions are increasing day by day and cause individuals to lose their mental stability and make them take extreme decisions."

Speaking about the underbelly of Bollywood, senior film critic Dilip Thakur said, "Filmmaking seems glamorous but it is challenging as well for everyone. Everyday it makes you face new challenges. Your persistence in this field is just as important as your appearance. There is success, money, glamour, fame, but along with that, there is also competition, comparison and failures. There is also a challenge of overcoming difficulties and rising anew. It takes days to work to get the job done. No matter how many obstacles one faces, he/she has to stand up again every day with a new zeal, telling himself/herself that one day it will be mine. Most importantly, you are always alone in this struggle, there is no guarantee that you will find someone to talk to every time. The one who survives this struggle moves on."

Going by the cases, it is mostly observed that depression is one of the root causes of the suicides taking place. A weakening mental emotion, which might be triggered by the feelings of frustration, intensified by a breakup, a financial setback or even a traumatic event, instigate people to take the extreme step. In such a case, it is necessary to talk openly with the person close to you or seek treatment directly from a doctor.

As things did not fall into place according to plan, a few popular faces from the showbiz found it easier to end their lives rather than to live it with all irreparable difficulties. Celebrity manager Disha Salian, TV actor Sameer Sharma, Marathi actor Ashutosh Bhakre and now Bhojpuri actor Anupama Pathak are among the few who took their lives one after the other. Earlier, Jiah Khan, Pratyusha Banerjee and Kushal Punjabi also died by suicide.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Anupama Pathak's death was a result of financial fraud. But in the case of Sameer Sharma and Ashutosh Bhakre, no concrete reason has come forward.

Depression has always been a hush-hush topic in showbiz. Thanks to Deepika Padukone who has shed light on the issue. The Piku actor had gone into depression post her breakup. However, with the right treatment in time, it took her six months to get out of it. Moreover, to address the issue, Deepika started Live Love Laugh foundation.

Besides, Ileana D'Cruz, who was also on the cusp of success, suddenly stopped working in cinema due to depression. Reportedly, she even had suicidal thoughts. However, she recovered from the condition with timely medical advice and treatment.

The downturn in the industry has led to a growing sense of frustration among the artists as there is a reduction in job opportunities. However, it should be understood that this situation is not permanent. The mind should be reminded constantly that 'this too shall pass'.

Life will always have its share of ups and downs. Like the hero of the movie, one has to be prepared for every challenge. Some things have to be given up so that one can find a way out of depression. It may be strenuous initially, but it's never impossible.